I remember someone telling me about being able to purchase fiberglass sleeves locally in Denver. Anyone know who carries them?
Plasticare might. I have seen a few braided tapes and maybe some sleeves there. But it's not a very complete selection. You could call first. Otherwise, Soller composites is great for mail-order sleeves, both for selection and price. In fact, their carbon sleeves are actually cheaper than the fiberglass sleeves for the equivalent strength. Carbon sleeves are just as easy to use, and come out a lot lighter for the same strength. Not radio-transparent like fiberglass, though.
http://www.plasticareinc.com/
http://www.solarcomposites.com/
I have a stock of a few sizes, what do you need?
Edward
Thanks gents. I was at plasticare for another non-rocketry project, they only had tubular carbon fibre.
Also looking at it, do you buy the size nearest your airframe and stretch or scrunch long ways to get the correct fit, or maybe only ever stretch for evenness?
Edward, I am just starting on glass, I have half done rockets with 38, 75 and 98mm paper airframes, all around 1 meter long. Planned to use the winter to do all three and try to get semi good at it. So i guess PM me with whatever you might want to part with and for how much.
hey Bryan,
I have made a few of the CF rockets using the sleeve form Plastic Care. I've been tapeing one end down and stretching it tight, then try to get all rows in a line.
http://www.rocketryplanet.com/images/stories/features/2189/composite_tube_fabrication.pdf
That is the tutorial done by Nick at Aerosleeves. I tie two loops of rope with giagargantuan knots to make the loop. I then put the knot in the sleeve and use zip ties to secure the sleeve around the knot so it won't pull out. I then stretch it between two trees/walls/etc using a ratchet tie down strap.
Edward
Sometimes I really wish there was a "Like" button so you could show your approval of a post without having to make a post. Ed, way cool.
Warren